Sports Injury or Vaccine Injury? Many of the Symptoms are Similar

sports-shoulder-injuryThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends several vaccinations for children at all ages (and many states require them), and from the court to the field, youth sports involve inherent risks that can lead to a variety of neuromuscular and musculoskeletal injuries.

When children complain of pain in the days or weeks following a vaccination, it is important to determine the cause of their injuries. While the symptoms of many sport injuries and vaccine injuries are similar, treatment options can vary depending upon the specific injury diagnosed.

There are also different legal remedies for sports and vaccine-related injuries, with the National Vaccine Injury Program (VICP) offering a streamlined process for parents to seek compensation for their child’s medical bills and pain and suffering.

Symptoms of Vaccine-Related Shoulder Injuries

Along with allergic reactions and other conditions related to individual vaccines, all vaccinations carry the risk of shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA). If a vaccine administrator, such as a pharmacist or physician uses the incorrect needle or injects the vaccine too high, too low, or too deeply into the muscle, these mistakes can lead to shoulder injuries with symptoms similar to those associated with various sports-related traumas.

For example, some of the most common forms of SIRVA include:

  • Adhesive Capsulitis (“Frozen Shoulder”) – Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and progressively-limited range of motion.
  • Brachial Neuritis – Symptoms include sudden pain, loss of sensation, loss of muscle control, and weakness or numbness extending down the arm.
  • Rotator Cuff Tears – Symptoms include sharp or aching pain, muscle weakness, limited range of motion, and pain that worsens during sleep or in cold weather.
  • Shoulder Bursitis – Symptoms include gradual onset of pain that spreads down the arm and worsens when lying on the affected shoulder, as well as symptoms of infection
  • Tendonitis – Symptoms include dull and aching pain, tenderness, stiffness, and limited range of motion.

Seeking Compensation for Vaccine Injuries

In many cases, parents are forced to waive their rights as a condition to signing their children up for sports and other activities. Even when they haven’t waived their rights, seeking compensation usually means filing a lawsuit against either a local organization (such as a recreation complex) or a major corporation (such as a sports equipment manufacturer). Neither of these is ideal, and they both involve significant challenges that can lead to years of contentious litigation.

Seeking compensation for vaccine injuries is different. Established in 1988, the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program is a federal government program that provides no-fault compensation for medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering incurred due to vaccine-related injuries. Unlike traditional tort lawsuits, VICP claims are filed against the government. Claimants can often secure compensation quickly, and the VICP pays legal fees separately from awards of financial compensation. Learn more about your rights under the VICP.

Schedule a Free, No-Obligation Consultation

If your child has been diagnosed with a vaccine-related shoulder injury, contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. With offices in Washington D.C., the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC represents individuals and families in vaccine injury claims nationwide. To speak with vaccine lawyer Leah V. Durant about filing a claim under the VICP, call us at (202) 800-1711 or contact us online today.

Leah Durant Bio

Leah Durant is an experienced vaccine attorney whose practice focuses on representing clients in cases of vaccine injury.  The Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC is dedicated to assisting individuals in recovering the highest level of compensation as quickly and efficiently as possible. To learn more, contact vaccine attorney Leah Durant today.